Setup synchronization apparatus and methods for end user medical devices

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present application enable setup synchronization of an end user medical device ( 110 ) such as a blood glucose meter. The invention includes a controller ( 302 ) including a memory ( 304 ); a transceiver ( 306 ) operatively coupled to the controller; and a host computer ( 104 ) interface ( 208 ) operative to couple the controller to a host computer, wherein the memory is operative to store instructions executable on the controller. The instructions are adapted to cause the controller to scan for an advertising medical device using the transceiver, establish a communications connection with a medical device advertising for synchronization, and transmit synchronization data to a medical device once a communication connection has been established. Numerous other aspects are disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/926,215, filed Jan. 10, 2014 and entitled “SETUPSYNCHRONIZATION APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR END USER MEDICAL DEVICES”,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

FIELD

The present invention relates to medical devices, and more specificallyto apparatus, systems, and methods for setup synchronization of medicaldevices.

BACKGROUND

Conventional end user medical devices such as blood glucose meters(BGMs) are typically packaged by manufacturers with an initialconfiguration that may not always be optimal for the intendedapplication or patient. Thus, frequently, a healthcare provider (HCP)must adjust the configuration of the meter. Accordingly, systems,apparatus, and methods for facilitating setup of such devices areneeded.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, embodiments of the present invention provide anapparatus for setup synchronization of a medical device such as a bloodglucose meter. The apparatus includes a controller including a memory; atransceiver operatively coupled to the controller; and a host computerinterface operative to couple the controller to a host computer, whereinthe memory is operative to store instructions executable on thecontroller, the instructions adapted to cause the controller to scan foran advertising medical device using the transceiver, establish acommunications connection with a medical device advertising forsynchronization, and transmit synchronization data to a medical deviceonce a communication connection has been established.

In other aspects, embodiments of the present invention provide a systemfor setup synchronization of a medical device such as a blood glucosemeter. The system includes an end user medical device including anactivation function for putting the medical device in an advertisingmode for requesting synchronization; and a setup synchronizationapparatus including a controller including a memory; a transceiveroperatively coupled to the controller; and a host computer interfaceoperative to couple the controller to a host computer. The memory isoperative to store instructions executable on the controller, theinstructions adapted to cause the controller to scan for an advertisingmedical device using the transceiver.

In yet other aspects, embodiments of the present invention provide amethod for setup synchronization of a medical device such as a bloodglucose meter. The method includes scanning for an end user medicaldevice advertising for synchronization using a setup synchronizationapparatus; discovering an end user medical device advertising forsynchronization; establishing a communication connection with adiscovered end user medical device; and synchronizing the connected enduser medical device.

Numerous other aspects are provided in accordance with these and otherembodiments of the invention. Other features and aspects of embodimentsof the present invention will become more fully apparent from thefollowing detailed description, the appended claims, and theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example setupsynchronization system according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example setupsynchronization apparatus according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic block drawing of a circuit for a setupsynchronization apparatus according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram representation of a system initiationprocess according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram representation of a synchronizationprocess according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting a method of synchronizing a medicaldevice according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

End user medical devices such as, for example, blood glucose meters(BGMs) are typically provided to patients by a healthcare provider(HCP). The HCP can stock a number of devices as packaged by themanufacturer and provide the devices to patients as needed. Such devicescan include a real-time clock (RTC) that conventionally is set by themanufacturer before the devices are packaged. This ensures that the enduser receives a device with an accurately set RTC so that medical datacan be correctly time indexed. Thus, the RTC is typically running whilethe device is in storage. Since the storage time for such devices can beas long as fifteen months or more, a significant amount of battery powerconsumption can occur during this period. In addition, the HCP can belocated in a different time zone than the manufacturer and thus,correctly setting the RTC can be further complicated.

Conventionally, manufacturers solve these problems by using a moreexpensive battery with sufficient power to last the maximum storageduration. Manufacturers also set the RTC based upon the location towhich the devices are to be used. Both of these solutions however,require additional manufacturing expense and increase the cost of themedical devices to the end users. Accordingly, improved methods andapparatus are needed to perform setup synchronization of such devices.Further, there are a variety of other configuration options that HCPscan setup on end user medical devices (e.g., BGMs) such as the unitsused (e.g., mg/dL vs. mmol/L), high/low limits, reminder alarms, etc.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a setup synchronizationapparatus that addresses all of these issues. A setup synchronizationapparatus according to embodiments of the present invention can beadapted to wirelessly and automatically set an RTC and other parametersof an end user medical device. Such a setup synchronization apparatuscan include a controller (e.g., a programmable microcontroller); amemory for storage of a host computer application; a transceiver (e.g.,a transmitter/receiver) that enables wireless communication with the enduser medical devices; and a computer interface I/O port such as auniversal serial bus (USB) interface for communication with a hostcomputer and to allow uploading/installation of the host computerapplication to the host computer.

Turning to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the system 100 of the presentinvention includes a setup synchronization apparatus 102 that is adaptedto be connected to a host computer 104 operated by a HCP. The setupsynchronization apparatus 102 is also adapted to wirelessly communicate106 with an end user medical device 108 (e.g., a BGM) while the end usermedical device 108 is still contained within the packaging 110 from themanufacturer. In some embodiments, the packaging 110 can include anaccess hole 112 that allows a HCP to trigger an activation function(e.g., press an activation button 114) on the end user medical device108 while the device 108 is still contained within the packaging 110.

In operation, the setup synchronization apparatus 102 is initiallyconnected to the host computer 104, for example, via a USB port in thehost computer 104. In some embodiments, upon connection to the hostcomputer 104, an application executing on the setup synchronizationapparatus 102 checks to see if the host computer 104 has the hostcomputer application installed. If not, the host computer applicationcan be automatically (or with HCP authorization) installed on the hostcomputer 104.

Once the installation of the host computer application is complete, thehost computer application will run in the background of the hostcomputer 104, waiting for a setup synchronization apparatus 102 torequest the time and setup parameters. As long as the setupsynchronization apparatus 102 is connected to the host computer 104, thesetup synchronization apparatus 102 will scan for end user medicaldevices 108 to synchronize. The host application is operative to providea user interface to the HCP for configuring parameters of the medicaldevice. The host application can include any number of graphical userinterface (GUI) controls to allow the HCP to select parameter valuessuch as time zone, units of measure, warning alarms, target zone levels,operating modes, sampling rates, glucose measurement data, patientinformation, etc.

In some embodiments, the end user medical device 108 can be shipped in alow power consumption mode (e.g., in a “deep sleep” mode) or in an “off”state. In either case, the RTC within the end user medical device 108 isnot running. Pressing the activation button 114 through the packagingaccess hole 112 triggers an activation function which switches end usermedical device 108 to an active mode and/or powers up the device 108 toan “on” state. The end user medical device 108 initializes and begins“advertising” by broadcasting a wireless signal that both uniquelyidentifies the device 108 and requests synchronization data from anysetup synchronization apparatus 102 within the broadcast range. If asetup synchronization apparatus 102 coupled to a host computer 104 iswithin range, the setup synchronization apparatus 102 and the device 108establish a wireless connection 106.

Once the end user medical device 108 and the setup synchronizationapparatus 102 connect, the end user medical device 108 receives thecorrect time and setup parameters from the host application running onthe host computer 104 via the wireless connection 106 between theapparatus 102 and the end user medical device 108. The host computer 104thereby synchronizes with the end user medical device 108. In someembodiments, once synchronization has completed, a message or otherindicia can be displayed on the host computer 104 and/or on a display ofthe end user medical device 108. In some embodiments, indicator lightsor other indicia can be included on the setup synchronization apparatus102 and/or the end user medical device 108 to indicate the wirelessconnection status and/or the synchronization status. Upon completion ofsynchronization, the end user medical device 108 can automaticallydisconnect from the setup synchronization apparatus 102 and return to alower power consumption state but with the RTC now running (e.g., a“shallow sleep” mode). The setup synchronization apparatus 102 canreturn to a scanning state so that a next end user medical device 108can be synchronized.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, details of the setup synchronizationapparatus 102 are illustrated and described. FIG. 2 depicts a magnifiedperspective view of an example embodiment of a setup synchronizationapparatus 102. The example embodiment includes a housing 202 thatencloses and protects a circuit (not visible in FIG. 2 but see FIG. 3).The example setup synchronization apparatus 102 depicted in FIG. 2 alsoincludes configuration switches 204 (e.g., dual in-line package (DIP)switches) for setting certain parameters of the apparatus 102 and anindicator 206 (e.g., a tri-color LED light) that can indicate the statusof the setup synchronization apparatus 102.

For example, in some embodiments, the configuration switches 204 can beused to set values for parameters such as time zone, units ofmeasurement, reminder alarms enabled/disabled, etc. that will be passedto end user medical device 108. In some embodiments, the indicator 206can display different colors to reflect, for example, that the setupsynchronization apparatus 102 is (1) scanning for an end user medicaldevice 108 to synchronize, (2) wirelessly connected to an end usermedical device 108, or (3) completed synchronizing an end user medicaldevice 108. The example setup synchronization apparatus 102 depicted inFIG. 2 also includes a connector 208 (e.g., a USB connector) forcoupling the setup synchronization apparatus 102 to the host computer104.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of acircuit 102′ for the setup synchronization apparatus 102. The circuit102′ can include a controller 302 (e.g., a programmed microcontroller)operatively coupled to memory 304 (e.g., non-volatile random accessmemory (NVRAM)) adapted to store instructions for execution by thecontroller 302 as well as a host computer application. The controller302 can also be operatively coupled to a transceiver 306 (e.g., aBluetooth® transceiver, a near field communication (NFC) transceiver,etc.) including an appropriate antennae 308 for wireless communicationwith end user medical devices 108. Additionally, the circuit 102′ caninclude a host computer interface 208′ (e.g., a USB interface)operatively coupled to the controller 302 to enable communicationbetween the setup synchronization apparatus 102 and the host computer104.

Turning now to FIG. 4, the details of an example embodiment of initialcommunication between the setup synchronization apparatus 102 and thehost computer 104 are illustrated in a block diagram 400. The setupsynchronization apparatus 102 is initially connected to the hostcomputer 104 (402) and the setup synchronization apparatus 102 checksthe host computer 104 to determine if the host computer application hasbeen installed on the host computer 104 (404). The host computer 104receives the request and responds (406). If the application has not beeninstalled, the setup synchronization apparatus 102 uploads theapplication to the host computer 104 (408) and the host computerinstalls the application (410). Now that the application has beeninstalled, the setup synchronization apparatus 102 begins scanning foran end user medical device 108 to synchronize (412) and the hostcomputer 104 runs the application as a background process (414).

FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of the details of asynchronization process over time. The example depicts the activities ofthe setup synchronization apparatus 102, the HCP operating the hostcomputer 104 (with a setup synchronization apparatus 102 and associatedapplication installed), and the end user medical device 108 relative toeach other as three concurrent interrelated horizontal process flowsoccurring over time in block diagram 500. Initially, the setupsynchronization apparatus 102 is scanning for an end user medical device108 to synchronize (502) and the end user medical device 108 is in a lowpower consumption (e.g., deep sleep) mode with the RTC not running(504). Upon the HCP pressing the activation button 114 on the end usermedical device 108 (506), the end user medical device 108 begins“advertising” (508) and the setup synchronization apparatus 102discovers the end user medical device 108 (510). Once a communicationconnection 106 is established, the setup synchronization apparatus 102synchronizes with the end user medical device 108 (512) and the end usermedical device 108 synchronizes with the setup synchronization apparatus102 (514). Once the synchronization is complete, the HCP receives amessage indicating the completion status (516). The setupsynchronization apparatus 102 returns to scanning for another device 108to synchronize (518) and the end user medical device 108 switches to alow power consumption (e.g., shallow sleep) mode but with the RTCrunning (520).

Turning now to FIG. 6, an example method 600 of embodiments of thepresent invention is depicted in a flowchart. Initially, the setupsynchronization apparatus 102 is scanning for an end user medical device108 to synchronize (602) and the end user medical device 108 is in a lowpower consumption (e.g., deep sleep) mode with the RTC not running(604). Upon the HCP pressing the activation button 114 on the end usermedical device 108 (606), the end user medical device 108 begins“advertising” (608) and the setup synchronization apparatus 102discovers the end user medical device 108 (610). Once a communicationconnection 106 is established (612), the setup synchronization apparatus102 synchronizes with the end user medical device 108 (614). Once thesynchronization is complete, the HCP receives a message indicating thecompletion status (616). The setup synchronization apparatus 102 returnsto scanning for another device 108 to synchronize (618) and the end usermedical device 108 switches to a low power consumption (e.g., shallowsleep) mode but with the RTC running (620).

The foregoing description discloses only example embodiments of theinvention. Modifications of the above-disclosed apparatus, systems andmethods which fall within the scope of the invention will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, while thepresent invention has been disclosed in connection with exampleembodiments, it should be understood that other embodiments may fallwithin the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a controllerincluding a memory; a transceiver operatively coupled to the controller;and a host computer interface operative to couple the controller to ahost computer, wherein the memory is operative to store instructionsexecutable on the controller, the instructions adapted to cause thecontroller to: scan for an advertising medical device using thetransceiver, establish a communications connection with a medical deviceadvertising for synchronization, the medical device having a real-timeclock, wherein the real-time clock is not running prior to theadvertising for synchronization, and transmit synchronization data to amedical device once a communication connection has been established. 2.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the memory is further operative tostore a host application for installation and execution on a hostcomputer via the host computer interface.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2wherein the instructions are further adapted to cause the controller todetermine if the host application is installed on the host computer. 4.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the instructions are further adapted tocause the controller to synchronize the real-time clock with the correcttime via the synchronization data.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe instructions are further adapted to cause the controller to transmitconfiguration parameter values to the medical device and to configurethe medical device based on the configuration parameter values.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the instructions are further adapted tocause the controller to cause a connected host computer to display asynchronization complete indication once the medical device has beensynchronized.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the instructions arefurther adapted to cause the controller to return to a scanning modeonce the medical device has been synchronized.
 8. A system comprising:an end user medical device including an activation function for puttingthe medical device in an advertising mode for requestingsynchronization, the end user medical device having a real-time clock,wherein the real-time clock is not running prior to being put in theadvertising mode; and a setup synchronization apparatus including acontroller including a memory; a transceiver operatively coupled to thecontroller; and a host computer interface operative to couple thecontroller to a host computer, wherein the memory is operative to storeinstructions executable on the controller, the instructions adapted tocause the controller to scan for an advertising medical device using thetransceiver.
 9. The system of claim 8 further comprising a host computerexecuting a host application adapted to allow a health care provider toconfigure the end user medical device.
 10. The system of claim 8 whereinthe instructions are further adapted to cause the controller toestablish a communications connection with the medical device once themedical device is advertising for synchronization, and to transmitsynchronization data to the medical device once a communicationconnection has been established.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein thememory is further operative to store a host application for installationand execution on a host computer via the host computer interface. 12.The system of claim 11 wherein the instructions are further adapted tocause the controller to determine if the host application is installedon the host computer.
 13. The system of claim 10 wherein theinstructions are further adapted to cause the controller to synchronizethe real-time clock with the correct time via the synchronization data.14. The system of claim 10 wherein the instructions are further adaptedto cause the controller to transmit configuration parameter values tothe medical device and to configure the medical device based on theconfiguration parameter values.
 15. The system of claim 10 wherein theinstructions are further adapted to cause the controller to cause aconnected host computer to display a synchronization complete indicationonce the medical device has been synchronized.
 16. The system of claim10 wherein the instructions are further adapted to cause the controllerto return to a scanning mode once the medical device has beensynchronized.
 17. A method comprising: scanning for an end user medicaldevice advertising for synchronization using a setup synchronizationapparatus, the end user medical device having a real-time clock, whereinthe real-time clock is not running prior to the advertising forsynchronization; discovering an end user medical device advertising forsynchronization; establishing a communication connection with adiscovered end user medical device; and synchronizing the connected enduser medical device.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprisingdisplaying an indication that the end user medical device has beensynchronized.
 19. The method of claim 17 further comprising returning toscanning for another end user medical device advertising forsynchronization.
 20. The method of claim 17 further comprisingdetermining if a host computer connected to the setup synchronizationapparatus has a host application installed.
 21. The method of claim 17wherein synchronizing the connected end user medical device includesconfiguring the connected end user medical device with configurationparameter values.